Best Tattoo in Bali: Safety & Everything About Getting Inked on the Island

Getting inked in Bali may not be one of the first things you thought of once you get into the island. But that’s the thing. Once you find out how cheap most things in Bali is, one of your mates may suggest in a drunken stupor: to get a tattoo to immortalize your Bali trip. While the intention behind it is no harm, the fact that it’s impulsive can lead to all sorts of things going wrong. Tattoos are something you’re going to have forever. So make sure that you strive to only have the best tattoo in Bali and settle for nothing less. 

best tattoo places in bali

Should you ever get inked in Bali? Is it safe?

The question “is it safe to get a tattoo in Bali” is something that gets asked continuously. And it is with good reasons. In the past, tattoo hygiene standards in Bali is quite notorious—but not because there is a lack of reputable studios or artists who know what they’re doing—it’s because of the hordes of tourists falling trap to unbelievably cheap tattoo cost. Sure, Bali is generally much cheaper compared to how much things cost back home, but in Indonesia, Bali is clearly one of the more expensive places to live. Thus, when things seem too cheap to be true, then it is. 

Also read: Best Tattoo in Bali: Popular Designs Inspirations

best tattoo in bali - bird design

So don’t go inside the any of the cheapest tattoo shop you can discover 

Bali is not short of good places to get inked. The island has a wealth of brilliant artists, both locals and resident artists from all over the world. Do your research. Use your common sense. Compare prices from one tattoo parlor or studio to another. Sure, prices can vary greatly, but if you’ve done your homework, you’ll know that there’s a middle line and you’ll be aware how much is too cheap and how much is acceptable. This applies to not just tattoo places in Bali, but everywhere you travel. Another thing you can do to find a good tattoo Bali whether it’s a tattoo artist or a studio is by asking your local friends for a recommendation. 

tattoo bali - experienced tattoo artist

Best tattoo in Bali: how to find reputable tattoo studios in Bali? 

Finding a reputable tattoo studios in Bali can be a bit tricky. Especially when it’s your very first time on the island. However, it’s entirely possible to have ample choices to choose from to get the best tattoo in Bali you could get. Here are the things that should get you started: 

  • Research your tattoo design, if you haven’t already. Approaching an artist empty-handed is just a big no. So although you don’t have an idea of the final design, at least have some visuals ready. 
  • Dig into the information of both tattoo artists and studios. The internet is your friend. Use social media (instagram, tumblr, etc.) to find artists’ works. Use Google search to look for the tattoo studios, they’re local businesses after all. This is where you find the best place to get a tattoo in Bali (and anywhere else you may be traveling, really). 

Communicate what you want clearly to your tattoo artist 

Regardless whether you managed to find the best tattoo in Bali to do your tattoo for you, if you don’t communicate your ideas well, you won’t have that awesome artwork you’ve envisioned. Also, the choice of tattoo artists is also highly subjective. What you think is the best tattoo in Bali for you, especially when it comes to the artists, may not be the best for another person.